Is big business responsible for the growth of ADD?

Question

http://joshuasmith405.blogspot.com/2007/01/why-add-is-on-rise.html

Answer 1

Yes, and no.

I think your beliefs are not unfounded. As a matter of fact, parents today need to explain a bad child's behavioral problems with a "label". For a while, it seems ADHD was a popular one. And doctors are more then willing to put a child on Ritalin.

But I also must disagree. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2005 after my 23rd birthday. I am 24 now, and I have chosen not to medicate myself. I DID have the symptoms as a child, and because they didn't know much about ADHD in 1987, I was missed under the radar as having it. It is challenging to live with, but I was able to succeed quite well with it.

I feel that many kids DID go under the radar of having the disorder until more was known about it as of late. But, I do feel although the total diagnoses should have gone up (like mine being disocovered), the disorder is being overdiagnosed.

Answer 2

Oh just take a pill.

That's the establishment answer and so much easier for parents. On the other hand, we now have a name for it (ADDH) and once you have a dianosis it's easier to see the problem.

Answer 3

I don't see how it could be. I believe kids with ADD, as well as unreasonable mood swings, should be tested for food and chemical allergies. Could save a lot of heartache.